TYPES OF CHEMICAL REACTION

Chemical changes are a result of chemical reactions. All chemical reactions involve a change in substances and a change in energy. Neither matter or energy is created or destroyed in a chemical reaction---only changed. There are so many chemical reactions that it is helpful to classify them into 5 general types which include the following:
Movie: http://www.gpb.org/chemistry-physics/chemistry/605

SYNTHESIS REACTION

In a synthesis reaction two or more simple substances combine to form a more complex substance. Two or more reactants yielding one product is another way to identify a synthesis reaction.
For example, simple hydrogen gas combined with simple oxygen gas can produce a more complex substance-----water!
The chemical equation for this synthesis reaction looks like:
A + B -------> AB
reactant + reactant -------> product


DECOMPOSITION REACTION http://www.marymount.k12.ny.us/marynet/stwbwk05/05flashchem/elreaction/reaction.html
In a decomposition reaction a more complex substance breaks down into its more simple parts. One reactant yields 2 or more products. Basically, synthesis and decomposition reactions are opposites.
For example, water can be broken down into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The chemical equation for this decomposition reaction looks like:
AB
-------> A + B
reactant -------> product + product

SINGLE REPLACEMENT REACTION http://www.marymount.k12.ny.us/marynet/stwbwk05/05flashchem/avreaction/avreaction.html
In a single replacement reaction a single uncombined element replaces another in a compound. Two reactants yield two products. For example when zinc combines with hydrochloric acid, the zinc replaces hydrogen. The chemical equation for this single replacement reaction looks like:
A + BC
-------> AB + C
reactant + reactant ---------> product + product
Practice: (Printed for extra credit and advance)
DOUBLE REPLACEMENT REACTION http://www.marymount.k12.ny.us/marynet/stwbwk05/05flashchem/isreaction/reaction.html
In a double replacement reaction parts of two compounds switch places to form two new compounds. Two reactants yield two products. For example when silver nitrate combines with sodium chloride, two new compounds--silver chloride and sodium nitrate are formed because the sodium and silver switched places. The chemical equation for this double replacement reaction looks like:
AB + CD
-------> AC + BD
reactant + reactant ---------> product + product

COMBUSTION REACTION (http://www.marymount.k12.ny.us/marynet/stwbwk05/05flashchem/lyreaction/lyreaction.html)

A combustion reaction is when all substances in a compound are combined with oxygen, which then produces carbon dioxide and water. Combustion is commonly called burning. It is an exothermic reaction, which means heat is produced and is easily distinguished. Combustion occurs predominantly in automobiles, homes, and in factories. An example of a combustion reaction is as follows:

CxHy + O2 --> CO2 + H2O

reactant + reactant ---------> product + product
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